Adam Williams presents his prediction for the EuroLeague match.
The second EuroLeague play-in fixture features Real Madrid and Paris Basketball. The winner will earn a trip to face Fenerbahçe Beko, while the loser will get one more opportunity to remain in the competition. The key question is whether Real Madrid’s experience will come through, or if Paris’s aggressive attacking style will take the day.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid come into this matchup as favourites, but there are concerns surrounding the squad. While they possess a wealth of experience, that experience is accompanied by age — and it’s beginning to show. Several key players are now well into their thirties, and the drop in energy is becoming increasingly evident. For example, after a demanding 91:89 clash with Partizan Belgrade, Facundo Campazzo went scoreless from the field in the following game against Tenerife, while Sergio Llull managed just a single free throw. It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid’s ageing core can handle the high tempo likely to be set by the opposition.
Paris Basketball
Play-in games carry added weight for T. J. Shorts, the standout performer for Paris Basketball. With top-level clubs expected to compete for his signature this summer, he’s effectively playing for a more lucrative contract — motivation doesn't get much stronger than that. Over the course of the current campaign, they have consistently shown that they are not intimidated by elite opposition. A recent example came in Athens, where they edged past Panathinaikos (101:98). It’s evident that this ambitious squad won’t be backing down from the challenge this time either.
Real Madrid vs Paris Basketball Prediction
These sides met just two weeks ago, with Real Madrid narrowly clinching a one-point win. Despite this, the market still shows confidence in the hosts, offering a significant handicap in favour of Paris Basketball. We see value in backing the visitors — they have the tools to keep things close.
